Mayor Peter Soulsby, Deputy Mayor Piara Singh Clair and the community at large. Credit: Member of Parliament for Tan Dhesi/Facebook
London, 30 October
A statue of a Sikh soldier was unveiled Sunday in the British city of Leicester to honour Sikhs who fought for Britain in conflicts around the world.
The bronze figure on a granite pedestal displayed Sunday in Victoria Park, the BBC reported.
The Sikh Troops Memorial Committee would complement existing memorials to the fallen.
Sikhs made up more than 20 percent of the British Indian Army at the start of World War I, the report adds.
The statue created by artist Taranjit Singh and paid for with investments from the Council and donations from Sikh congregations.
“We are very proud to inaugurate this monument to honor the sacrifice of all the brave men who traveled thousands of miles to fight for a country that is not their own,” said Ajmer Singh Basra, chairman of the Committee, according to the report.
He said the statue would serve as a reminder to Sikhs who have made Leicester their home, he added.
Piara Singh Clair, from Leicester City Council, said: “For many decades, the Sikh network has contributed particularly to the good fortune of our city.
“I am very pleased that the concept of a Sikh memorial statue, planned by Councillor Culdipp Singh Bhatti MBE, is being unveiled in Victoria Park.
“It will provide a fitting tribute along with other memorials in the park. “The inauguration took place at De Montfort Hall on Sunday and was attended by many people, including representatives of the armed forces.
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